sack 2 n DC ~ ship (1957-). Comb sack ship, also sack: a vessel engaged in carrying supplies and migratory fishermen from Britain to Newfoundland, dried cod from the island to Mediterranean markets, and wine or sack, etc, thence to British ports; a cargo as opposed to a fishing vessel.
[1610] Willoughby Papers 17a 1/2 If lead be sent hether in the sacke for a smale matter it maye be sent hence to any part of Spaine, or Italy, servinge so fitt for ballaste vnder the fishe. [1620] 1887 MASON 154 ... shippes that goe sackes at ten shilling pertunne, and thirtie shillings home. [1650] 1954 INNIS 52 Ships called sacks being commonly in great number every year ... carry fish from Newfoundland into the Straits. France, Portugal and Spain and ... bring in their return into England bullion and other native commodities of those countries. [1749] 1755 DOUGLASS i, 293 Their fish-ships are distinguished into, fishing-ships ... and sack-ships, which purchase their fish from the inhabitants. [1810] 1971 ANSPACH 29 The reason for which the St John's merchant did not like sack or net-ships, was that they raised the price of fish. 1895 PROWSE 22 From the very earliest period the English had a carrying fleet (sack ships). 1934 LOUNSBURY 80 Among the disputed points was the proposal of the new patentees to levy an impost of five fish per quintal upon foreigners buying from either the fishermen or the planters. The West Country merchants felt that this would discourage foreign 'sack ships.' as the carriers were called, from touching at Newfoundland.
